I. nounDate: 14th century1.archaic the source or cause from which something arises; specifically originator
2.a. that from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made
b. a work composed firsthand
3.a. a person of fresh initiative or inventive capacity
b. a unique or eccentric person
II. adjectiveDate: 14th century1. of, relating to, or constituting an origin or beginning ;initial<

the original part of the house

>2.a. not secondary, derivative, or imitative <

an original composition

>b. being the first instance or source from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is or can be made
3. independent and creative in thought or action ;inventive<

original — orig·i·nal n 1: that from which a copy or reproduction is made both parties signed the original compare duplicate 2: a work composed firsthand as the product of an author s creativity ◇ A work must be an original in order to obtain a copyright.… … Law dictionary

original — o‧rig‧i‧nal [əˈrɪdʒnl, dʒnəl] adjective [only before a noun] happening or existing first: • Which is theoriginal document and which is the copy? • The index linked certificates were paying indexation plus 4% of the original investment.… … Financial and business terms

Original — O*rig i*nal, a. [F. original, L. originalis.] [1913 Webster] 1. Pertaining to the origin or beginning; preceding all others; first in order; primitive; primary; pristine; as, the original state of man; the original laws of a country; the original … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Original — O*rig i*nal, n. [Cf. F. original.] [1913 Webster] 1. Origin; commencement; source. [1913 Webster] It hath it original from much grief. Shak. [1913 Webster] And spangled heavens, a shining frame, Their great Original proclaim. Addison. [1913… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English